JP5354795B2 - Jumper connector for lighting assembly - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting assembly, and more particularly to a jumper connector for a lighting assembly.

  Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are currently widely applied in various lighting applications. The relatively high effectiveness of LEDs (in terms of luminous flux intensity per watt) is a major cause of LED popularity. Power savings are possible when LEDs are used to replace conventional fluorescent lamps. One aspect of LED technology that is considered problematic is the removal of waste heat and efficient management. Waste heat degrades performance and shortens device life. Typically, a heat sink or other heat dissipation device is utilized to remove waste heat.

US Pat. No. 7,462,036 US Pat. No. 7,364,346 US Pat. No. 7,311,420 US Pat. No. 7,273,987 U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,863 US Pat. No. 7,021,946 US Pat. No. 6,882,111 US Pat. No. 6,802,626 US Pat. No. 6,641,284 US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/128739

  An example of an illumination component using LEDs used today is the illumination component CL-L102 series commercially available from Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. Such an illumination component comprises an elongated circuit board that is surrounded by a fluorescent material to control illumination and on which one or more LEDs are mounted. Such lighting components are used for general lighting purposes. The circuit board is typically mounted on a heat sink to dissipate the heat generated by the LEDs. Screws are used to hold the circuit board to the heat sink. Depending on the application, a plurality of lighting components are used and arranged continuously as an illumination zone. Here, the circuit board is aligned along the heat sink or the other board and fixed to the heat sink or the other board with screws. The circuit boards are electrically connected to each other by electric wires soldered between adjacent circuit boards. Electric power is supplied from one board to the next board by electric wires. The electric wire is typically soldered after the circuit board is fixed to the board. A plurality of assembly steps including a step of individually fixing the lighting components to the substrate and a step of electrically connecting the lighting component band to the electric wires take time.

  Another way is to provide a thermally conductive substrate on which the lighting components are mounted. These substrates have the function of mechanical support and are provided for electrical interconnections to components and electrical interconnections between components to assist in the extraction and dissipation of heat generated by lighting components. These substrates are often expensive or require complex manufacturing steps.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved is to provide an interconnect structure for a lighting assembly that quickly dissipates heat, is low cost, and is simple to manufacture.

  Means for solving the problem is provided by a jumper connector for connecting the lighting components to each other. The jumper connector includes a connector body having a mating surface configured to engage two or more lighting components. The connector body is configured to be fixed to the substrate by a fixture. The jumper connector includes a conductor held by the connector body. This conductor is configured to be electrically connected to two or more lighting components in the same manufacturing process as the connector body is fixed to the substrate.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a lighting assembly having a plurality of lighting components interconnected by jumper connectors. It is the perspective view which looked at the jumper connector shown by FIG. 1 from the lower side. It is a perspective view which shows the cross section of the jumper connector shown by FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of another jumper connector for the lighting assembly shown in FIG. 1. It is the perspective view which looked at another jumper connector for the lighting assembly shown in FIG. 1 from the lower side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another illumination assembly using the jumper connector shown in FIG. 5. It is the perspective view which looked at another jumper connector for the lighting assembly shown in FIG. 1 from the upper side. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a part of a lighting assembly having the jumper connector shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a conductor for use with the jumper connector shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the jumper connector shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of a lighting assembly having another jumper connector. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a conductor for use with the jumper connector shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing another jumper connector for the lighting assembly shown in FIG. 1.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In one embodiment of the invention, a jumper connector is provided to connect the lighting components to each other. The jumper connector includes a connector body having a mating surface configured to engage two or more lighting components. The connector body is configured to be fixed to the substrate by a fixture. The jumper connector includes a conductor held by the connector body. The conductor is configured to be electrically connected to two or more lighting components during the same manufacturing process in which the connector body is secured to the substrate.

  Optionally, the conductor may engage a contact pad on the lighting component when the connector body is secured to the substrate. The conductor may form a power circuit between the lighting components such that power flows between the lighting components through the conductor. The substrate may constitute a heat sink. The fixture may engage the connector body and the heat sink so that the lighting component is in thermal conduction with the heat sink and simultaneously fix the lighting component to the heat sink. The fixture may pass between adjacent lighting components and engage the connector body to secure the connector body to the substrate. When the fixture is tightened, the lighting component may be pressed against the board by the connector body.

  In another embodiment, a lighting assembly is provided comprising first and second lighting components. Each of the first and second lighting components is connected to the circuit board, the contact pads provided at one or more ends, and at least one by the circuit board. A lighting device electrically connected to the contact pads. A jumper connector is coupled between the first and second lighting components. The jumper connector has a first fitting interface that engages with one end of the first lighting component and a second fitting interface that engages with one end of the second lighting component. The jumper connector has a conductor extending between the first and second mating interfaces. The conductor engages the conductive pads of both the first lighting component and the second lighting component and forms an electrical circuit between the conductive pads of the first lighting component and the second lighting component. The jumper connector and the first and second lighting components are configured to be fixed to the common board.

  In another embodiment, jumper connectors are provided to connect the lighting components to each other. Here, each lighting component includes a circuit board on which a lighting device is mounted and a contact pad is formed on the surface. The jumper connector has a connector body extending between both ends. The connector body has a mating surface configured to engage two or more lighting components. The jumper connector has a conductor held by the connector body. Here, the conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the contact pads of the two or more lighting components so as to form a power path for transmitting power between the contact pads of the two or more lighting components. The fixture is configured to engage the connector body and to fix the connector body to the substrate when the fixture engages the substrate. The connector body is configured to simultaneously fix two or more lighting components to the board when the fixture is engaged with the board.

  FIG. 1 shows a lighting assembly 20 having a plurality of lighting components 22 interconnected by jumper connectors 24. The illumination components 22 are arranged in a line along the component axis 26 to form an illumination zone. Any number of lighting components 22 may be used to form an illumination zone. The lighting components 22 are continuously connected by a jumper connector 24. And the jumper connector 24 forms a part of electric circuit which transmits electric power between the adjacent illumination components 22 so that it may demonstrate in detail below.

  The lighting component 22 is fixed to the substrate 28. In an exemplary embodiment, jumper connector 24 is used to secure lighting component 22 to substrate 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 28 constitutes a heat sink and may be referred to below as the heat sink 28. The heat sink 28 dissipates heat generated by the lighting component 22 during operation.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting components 22 are formed substantially identical to each other. Each lighting component 22 has a circuit board 30 extending in the vertical direction along the component axis 26. The circuit board 30 extends between the first end 32 and the second end 34 facing each other. The circuit board 30 has an inner surface 36 that substantially faces the substrate 28, and an outer surface 38 that faces away from the substrate 28. The inner surface 36 and the outer surface 38 are substantially flat and extend along the component axis 26 between the first end 32 and the second end 34. The circuit board 30 has opposed first side surfaces 40 and second side surfaces 42 that extend between the first end 32 and the second end 34 and extend between the inner surface 36 and the outer surface 38.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board 30 has an opening 44 at each end 32, 34. Each lighting component 22 is arranged with its ends facing each other so that the openings 44 of the circuit board 30 are aligned with each other to form a common opening. The common opening may have an elongated non-circular shape.

  The circuit board 30 has a first fitting end portion 46 at the first end 32, a second fitting end portion 48 at the second end 34, and a lighting device mounting portion 50 between the fitting end portions 46, 48. Have. One or more contact pads 52 may be provided on each fitting end 46, 48. The contact pad 52 is exposed along the outer surface 38 of the circuit board 30. As will be described in detail below, the contact pad 52 provides an electrical connection with the jumper connector 24 when the jumper connector 24 is connected to the lighting component 22. In the illustrated embodiment, two conductive pads 52 are provided at each mating end 46, 48.

  One or more lighting devices 54 are electrically connected to the circuit board 30. The lighting device 54 operates when power is applied to the circuit board 30 by the jumper connector 24. Optionally, the circuit board 30 may have one or more electrical components such as a controller, transistor, microprocessor, capacitor, resistor, etc. for controlling the power supplied to the lighting device 54. In an exemplary embodiment, each lighting device 54 has one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 56. Optionally, LED 56 may be surrounded by fluorescent material 58 or other material to control illumination. In other embodiments, other types of lighting elements may be used. The LED 56 may be connected to the circuit board 30 directly or indirectly. The LED 56 may be electrically connected to one or more contact pads 52 by a pattern on the circuit board 30 or other conductor. The heat generated by one or both of the LED 56 and other electrical components connected to the circuit board 30 may be dissipated by the heat sink 28 when the lighting component 22 is mounted on the heat sink 28.

  Jumper connectors 24 mechanically secure adjacent pairs of lighting components 22 to substrate 28 and electrically interconnect adjacent pairs of lighting components 22 with each other. In order to transmit electric power from one lighting component 22 to another lighting component 22, a power circuit is formed by a jumper connector 24. During assembly, the jumper connector 24 can be electrically connected to the lighting component 22, while the lighting component 22 is physically secured to the substrate 28 at the same time or during the same assembly process.

  The jumper connector 24 has a dielectric connector body 60. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector body 60 is a single unitary piece. The connector body 60 extends between the first end 62 and the second end 64 facing each other. The connector main body 60 includes a fitting surface 66 that substantially faces the lighting component 22 and an outer surface 68 that faces away from the lighting component 22. The fitting surface 66 and the outer surface 68 extend along the vertical connector shaft 70 between the first end 62 and the second end 64. The connector shaft 70 is substantially parallel to the component shaft 26 when the jumper connector 24 is coupled to the lighting component 22. The connector body 60 has opposed first and second side surfaces 72 and 74 that extend between a first end 62 and a second end 64 and extend between a mating surface 66 and an outer surface 68. The connector body 60 has an opening 76 that passes through the connector body 60. This opening 76 may be approximately in the middle between the ends 62, 64 and the side surfaces 72, 74.

  A fixture 78 is used to fix the jumper connector 24 to the substrate 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the fixture 78 is represented by a threaded fixture such as a screw received in a screw hole 80 in the substrate 28. In this way, the fixture 78 is screwed onto the substrate 28. However, in other embodiments, different types of fixtures may be used to secure the jumper connector 24 to the substrate 28.

  During assembly, the jumper connector 24 is placed on the upper surface of the adjacent pair of lighting components 22 such that the jumper connector 24 engages the engaging ends 46 and 48 of the adjacent pair of lighting components 22. The The fixture 78 is arranged with respect to the jumper connector 24 in order to fix the jumper connector 24 to the board 28. The fixing tool 78 moves to a fixing position where the jumper connector 24 is fixed to the substrate 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 78 is rotated or clamped to a fixed position where the jumper connector 24 is securely coupled to the substrate 28. When the jumper connector 24 is securely coupled to the board 28, the lighting component 22 is similarly secured to the board 28 by the jumper connector 24. For example, the jumper connector 24 may sandwich or otherwise hold the lighting component 22 between its mating surface 66 and the mating surface 82 of the substrate 28. In an exemplary embodiment, each end 32, 34 of the lighting component 22 is held by a different jumper connector 24. The jumper connector 24 is releasably coupled to the lighting component 22 so that the jumper connector 24 can be removed to free the lighting component 22 from the substrate 28. The jumper connector 24 may be released from the lighting component 22 so that both the jumper connector 24 and the lighting component 22 can be reversed. The jumper connector 24 may be released from the lighting component 22 in a single step that removes the fixture 78.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the jumper connector 24 as viewed from below, and shows the fitting surface 66. The jumper connector 24 has at least one conductor 84 held by the connector body 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor 84 is formed of a plating material 86 that forms a flexible beam 88 (see FIG. 3) delimited by a portion of the connector body 60. These beams 88 (eg, the structure under the plating material 86) have a beam length 90 between the fixed end 92 and the free end 94 of the beam 88. The beam 88 is flexible and can be bent when mated with the lighting component 22 (see FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, two conductor portions extending near the corresponding side surfaces 72, 74 of the connector body 60 are shown. These conductor portions are interconnected by a plating material 86 in the central region of the connector body 60. In another embodiment, the conductor portions may be separated from each other to form two separate conductors 84. Any number of conductors may be defined by the jumper connector 24 and held by the jumper connector 24.

  The conductor 84 extends between the first mating interface 96 of the jumper connector 24 at the first end 62 of the connector body 60 and the second mating interface 98 of the jumper connector 24 at the second end 64 of the connector body 60. Yes. In one exemplary embodiment, the conductor 84 defines a single continuous conductive element between the first mating interface 96 and the second mating interface 98. In one exemplary embodiment, the conductor 84 has a button 100 at the mating interface 96, 98. These buttons 100 protrude outwardly from their adjacent portions. The button 100 is coated with a plating material 86 and defines a portion of the conductor 84 that engages the contact pad 52 (see FIG. 1) of the lighting component 22. The button 100 protrudes beyond the mating surface 66 to ensure proper electrical connection with the contact pad 52.

  The jumper connector 24 has one or more mounting tabs 102 extending from the jumper connector 24. These mounting tabs 102 extend outward from the mounting surface 66. The mounting tab 102 surrounds a part of the opening 76 that penetrates the connector body 60. During assembly, when the jumper connector 24 is positioned relative to the lighting component 22, the mounting tab 102 fits within the opening 44 (see FIG. 1) of the lighting component 22. The mounting tab 102 may be sized and shaped to properly place the jumper connector 24 relative to the lighting component 22, such as aligning the conductor 84 with the contact pad 52.

  The jumper connector 24 has a slide-off 104 extending from the fitting surface 66 on both sides of the connector body 60. These standoffs 104 have shoulders 106 that engage corresponding side surfaces 40, 42 of the lighting component 22. These shoulders 106 may be separated by a distance 108 that is approximately equal to the width of the lighting component 22 so as to engage both side surfaces 40, 42 of the lighting component 22. The standoff 104 is used to direct or position the jumper connector 24 relative to the lighting component 22.

  FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the jumper connector 24 taken along line 3-3 shown in FIG. This cross section passes through the button 100. FIG. 3 shows a beam 88 made from a dielectric material and formed as part of the connector body 60. Button 100 is integrally formed with beam 88 during the same manufacturing process. Button 100 defines a curved outer surface that is covered by plating material 86.

  The plating material 86 covers selected portions of the beam 88 to define a conductive path between the first and second mating interfaces 96, 98 (see FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the plating material 86 covers the mating surface 66 of the beam 88, the outer surface 68 of the beam 88, and both side walls 110 of the beam 88. Both side walls 110 extend between the fitting surface 66 and the outer surface 68. The beam 88 is entirely coated with a plating material 86. In another embodiment, only selected portions of the beam 88 may be coated with the plating material 86. By coating the outer surface 68 and both side walls 110 of the beam 88, the rigidity of the beam 88 can be enhanced compared to embodiments in which the outer surface 68 and both side walls 110 of the beam 88 are not coated. By strengthening the beam 88, the beam 88 has a greater spring force to resist deflection during assembly with the lighting component 22 (see FIG. 1). The beam 88 can provide a sufficient engagement force when mated with the lighting component 22.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of another jumper connector 120 for the lighting assembly 20 (see FIG. 1) taken through a similar portion of the jumper connector 24 shown in FIG. The jumper connector 120 is similar to the jumper connector 24 (see FIG. 3) and has the same components and structure. At least one difference between the jumper connector 120 and the jumper connector 24 is that the jumper connector 120 has a plating material 122 only on the mating surface 124 of its beam 126. Both side walls 128 and the outer surface 130 of the beam 126 are not covered with the plating material 122. Further, the beam 126 is thicker than the beam 88 of the jumper connector 24 (see FIG. 3). The thickness of the beam 126 enhances the stiffness of the beam 126 compared to a thinner beam. Since only the fitting surface 124 is plated, less plating material 122 is required.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another jumper connector 140 for the lighting assembly 20 (see FIG. 1) seen from below. The jumper connector 140 has a connector main body 142 and a conductor 144. The connector main body 142 has a fitting surface 146, and the conductor 144 is provided on the fitting surface 146.

  The conductor 144 is represented by a plating material 148 that plating selected portions of the mating surface 146. In an exemplary embodiment, button 150 is formed by one or both of conductor 144 and connector body 142. The button 150 extends outward from the fitting surface 146. The button 150 has a spherical shape, but other embodiments may have other shapes.

  The connector body 142 has an opening 152 that passes through the connector body 142. A mounting tab 154 is provided in the vicinity of the opening 152. These mounting tabs 154 extend outward from the mating surface 146.

  FIG. 6 shows another lighting assembly 160 that uses a jumper connector 140. The lighting assembly 160 has a plurality of lighting components 22 arranged in two rows 162 or more. The row 162 of the lighting components 22 forms a plurality of mutually parallel illumination bands. Although only two lighting components 22 are shown in each column in FIG. 6, any number of lighting components 22 may be arranged in each column 162. Although only three rows 162 are shown in FIG. 6, any number of rows 162 of lighting components 22 may be provided.

  The jumper connector 140 is provided between adjacent lighting components 22 in each row 162. These jumper connectors 140 form a power path for transmitting power between adjacent lighting components 22. The fixture 164 engages the jumper connector 140 to fix the jumper connector 140 and the lighting component 22 to one or more boards (not shown). Each row 162 of lighting components 22 and corresponding jumper connectors 140 may be mounted on a separate board. Alternatively, two or more rows of lighting components 22 and corresponding jumper connectors 140 may be mounted on the same substrate. The board dimensions and the spacing between the rows 162 affect the board mounting structure.

  The jumper connectors 140 are interconnected by bridging portions 166 that extend between the jumper connectors 140 and connect the jumper connectors 140 to each other. These bridging portions 166 may be formed integrally with the connector main body 142 of two or more jumper connectors 140 during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the bridging portion 166 may be separately connected to one or more jumper connectors 140 during the assembly process. Once the bridging portion 166 is connected to the plurality of jumper connectors 140, the jumper connector 140 can be handled as a single unit. The bridging portion 166 separates the jumper connector 140 at a predetermined interval 168. Optionally, the spacing 168 may be the same between each jumper connector 140 and thus between each row 162 of lighting components 22. Alternatively, different length bridges 166 between the jumper connectors 140 may be used to change the feel 168 between the jumper connectors 140 and thus between the rows 162 of the lighting components 22.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the jumper connector 140 has a width 170 that is less than the width 172 of the lighting component 22. Thus, the jumper connector 140 does not affect the form factor of the lighting component 22.

  The connector main body 142 of the jumper connector 140 may be at least partially flexible. When the fixture 164 is fixed to the substrate and the fitting surface 146 is engaged with the lighting component 22, the button 150 (see FIG. 5) is engaged with the contact pad 52 (see FIG. 1) of the lighting component 22. The connector body 142 may be bent slightly when the fixture 164 is tightened. When the fixture 164 is tightened to the fixed position, the jumper connector 140 is in electrical contact with both lighting components 22 and simultaneously fixes both lighting components 22 to the board. Electrical connection and mechanical fixation are accomplished during the same manufacturing process that clamps fixture 164 in a fixed position.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another jumper connector 200 for the lighting assembly 20 as viewed from above. In FIG. 7, a portion of the lighting assembly 20 is shown. The jumper connector 200 is used to electrically connect two adjacent lighting components 22 to each other. The jumper connector 200 is used for fixing both the lighting components 22 to the board 28 (see FIG. 1).

  The jumper connector 200 has a connector main body 202 and a conductor 204 (shown by broken lines in FIG. 7). The connector body 202 extends between a first end 206 and a second end 208 that face each other. The connector main body 202 has a fitting surface 210 that substantially faces the lighting component 22 and an outer surface 212 that faces away from the lighting component 22. The connector body 202 has a first side 214 and a second side 216 that face each other and extend between the first end 206 and the second end 208 and between the fitting surface 210 and the outer surface 212. The connector body 202 has an opening 218 that passes through the connector body 202. The opening 218 may be located approximately at the center between the first end 206, the second end 208, the first side 214 and the second side 216. A fixture such as a fixture 78 (see FIG. 1) is used to fix the jumper connector 200 to the board 28. Fixture 78 is received in opening 218 and engages outer surface 212 to secure jumper connector 200 to substrate 28.

  The conductor 204 is held by the connector body 202 and exposed at the mating surface 210 to engage the contact pad 52 (shown in broken lines). A conductor 204 extends between the first end 206 and the second end 208 to electrically connect two adjacent lighting components 22 to each other.

  FIG. 8 is a side view showing a portion of the lighting assembly 20 with the jumper connector 200 interconnecting adjacent lighting components 22. Both ends 32 and 34 of the lighting component 22 adjacent to each other are in contact with each other, and the jumper connector 200 is positioned substantially at the center on both ends 32 and 34 of the lighting component 22. When the jumper connector 200 is mounted on the lighting component 22 by the fixture 78, the fitting surface 210 is flush with the outer surface 38 of the lighting component 22 and is placed on the outer surface 38.

  In FIG. 8, a light cone 220 emanating from the center 222 of the lighting device 54 is shown. The light cone 220 has half-angle irradiation 223 shown in FIG. 8 as measured from the vertical direction toward the jumper connector 200. The center 222 of the lighting device 54 is located at a predetermined distance 224 from the end 32 of the lighting component 22. The connector body 202 has a height 226 that is selected so that the jumper connector 200 does not obstruct the light cone 220, so that it does not block the light emitted by the lighting device 54. This height 226 is selected taking into account the additional height 232 of the optional washer 230 between the connector body 202 and the fixture 78 in addition to the additional height 232 of the fixture 78 on the connector body 202. The distance 224 and the half-angle irradiation 223 affect the height 226 of the connector body 202.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a single conductor 204 for use with the jumper connector 200. The conductor 204 has a base portion 240 and two opposing arms 242 and 244 that extend downward from the base portion 240. In one exemplary embodiment, arms 242 and 244 define a spring arm that is flexible and provides a downward spring force in the direction of arrow A. The arms 242 and 244 define a first mating interface 246 and a second mating interface 248 of the conductor 204, respectively. In one exemplary embodiment, the arms 242 and 244 are curved proximate to the ends of the arms 242, 244 to define mating interfaces 246, 248 near the ends of the arms 242, 244.

  The first fitting interface 246 is configured to be electrically engaged with the contact pad 52 of one lighting component 22 (see FIG. 7). The second mating interface 248 is configured to electrically engage the contact pad 52 of another lighting component 22. Thus, the conductor 204 forms an electrical path between two different lighting components 22. The first fitting interface 246 and the second fitting interface 248 are located at a predetermined distance 250 from below the base 240. The arms 242, 244 may be deflected upward toward the plane defined by the base 240 during mating with the lighting component.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the conductor 204 is bent by being punched from the strip and then bending a portion of the conductor 204 into a final shape.

  FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the jumper connector 200 showing the two conductors 204 held in the connector body 202. While two conductors 204 are shown, it should be understood that any number of conductors may be used. Further, it should be understood that while conductors 204 are separated from each other, the conductors 204 may be engaged with each other, or the conductors 204 may be connected by other conductive members.

  The connector body 202 has a passage 260 formed therein. The conductor 204 is held in the passage 260 such that the mating interfaces 246 and 248 are provided near the mating surface 210. In one exemplary embodiment, the conductor 204 is below the lower surface of the mating surface 210 for mating interfaces 246 and 248 to engage the contact pads 52 (see FIG. 7) of the lighting component 22 (see FIG. 7). It protrudes slightly from the passage 260 so as to be exposed.

  FIG. 11 is a side view showing a portion of another jumper connector 300 for the lighting assembly 20. A portion of the lighting assembly 20 is shown in FIG. The jumper connector 300 is used to electrically connect two adjacent lighting components 22 to each other. The jumper connector 300 is used to fix both lighting components 22 to the board 28 (see FIG. 1).

  The jumper connector 300 includes a connector main body 302 and one or more conductors 304 (shown by broken lines in FIG. 11). The connector body 302 extends between the first end 306 and the second end 308 facing each other. The connector main body 302 has a fitting surface 310 that substantially faces the lighting component 22 and an outer surface 312 that faces away from the lighting component 22. A fixture such as fixture 78 (see FIG. 1) is used to secure jumper connector 300 to substrate 28. The fixture 78 engages the outer surface 312 to secure the jumper connector 300 to the board 28.

  The conductor 304 is held in a dedicated passage (not shown) formed in the connector main body 302. The passage is open at the mating surface 310 and the conductor 304 is inserted into the passage through the mating surface 310 during the assembly process. A retaining rib 314 (shown in phantom in FIG. 11) extends partially into the passage and engages the conductor 304 to retain the conductor 304 in the passage. The conductor 304 is held in the connector main body 302 so as to be exposed at the fitting surface 310 and engage with the contact pad 52 (shown by a broken line). A conductor 304 extends between the first end 306 and the second end 308 to electrically connect two adjacent lighting components 22 to each other.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing one of a plurality of conductors 304 for use with jumper connector 300 (see FIG. 11). The conductor 304 has a base 340 and two opposed arms 342 and 344 extending downward from the base 340. In an exemplary embodiment, arms 342 and 344 define a spring arm that is flexible and provides a downward spring force in the direction of arrow B. The arms 342 and 344 define a first mating interface 346 and a second mating interface 348 of the conductor 304, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first mating interface 346 and the second mating interface 348 are provided at the ends of the arms 342 and 344. The first fitting interface 346 is configured to be electrically connected to the contact pad 52 (see FIG. 11) of one lighting component 22 (see FIG. 11). The second mating interface 348 is configured to make an electrical connection to the contact pad 52 of another lighting component 22. Thus, the conductor 304 forms an electrical path between two different lighting components 22.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the conductor 304 is manufactured by a stamping process. The shape of the conductor 304 is stamped from the strip material. A bending process for forming the conductor 304 in a shape different from the punched shape is not necessary.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing another jumper connector 400 for the lighting assembly (see FIG. 1). The jumper connector 400 is used to electrically connect two adjacent lighting components 22 to each other. The jumper connector 400 is used to fix both the lighting components 22 to the board 28 (see FIG. 1).

  The jumper connector 400 includes a connector body 402 and one or more conductors 404 (shown by broken lines in FIG. 11). The connector body 402 extends between the first end 406 and the second end 408 facing each other. The connector body 402 includes a fitting surface 410 that substantially faces the lighting component 22 and an outer surface 412 that faces away from the lighting component 22. A fixture such as fixture 78 (see FIG. 1) is used to secure jumper connector 400 to substrate 28.

  The conductor 404 is held in a dedicated passage 414 formed in the connector main body 402. The passage 414 is open at the mating surface 410 and the conductor 404 is inserted through the mating surface 410 and into the passage 414 during the assembly process. A retaining rib 416 extends partially into the passage 414 and engages a finger 418 extending from the conductor 404 to retain the conductor 404 within the passage 414. The conductor 404 is held in the connector main body 402 so as to be exposed at the fitting surface 410 and engage with the contact pad 52 (see FIG. 1). A conductor 404 extends between the first end 406 and the second end 408 to electrically connect two adjacent lighting components 22 to each other.

  The conductor 404 has a base 440 and two opposed arms 442 and 444 extending downward from the base 440. In one exemplary embodiment, arms 442 and 444 define a spring arm that is flexible and provides a downward spring force. The arms 442 and 444 define a first mating interface 446 and a second mating interface 448 of the conductor 404, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first mating interface 446 and the second mating interface 448 are provided proximate to the ends of the arms 442, 444 or at the ends of the arms 442, 444. The first fitting interface 446 is configured to be electrically connected to the contact pad 52 of one lighting component 22. The second mating interface 448 is configured to electrically connect to the contact pad 52 of another lighting component 22. Thus, the conductor 404 forms an electrical path between two different lighting components 22.

22 Lighting component 24 Jumper connector 28 Substrate 52 Contact pad 60 Connector body 66 Fitting surface 78 Fixture 84 Conductor

Claims (7)

A jumper connector for connecting lighting components to each other,
A connector body having a fitting surface configured to engage with two or more of the lighting components and configured to be fixed to a substrate by a fixture;
A conductor held by the connector body,
The jumper connector, wherein the conductor is configured to be electrically connected to the two or more lighting components in the same manufacturing process as the connector body is fixed to the substrate.   The jumper connector according to claim 1, wherein the conductor is configured to engage with a contact pad on the lighting component when the connector body is fixed to the substrate.   The jumper connector according to claim 1, wherein the conductor forms a power circuit between the lighting components such that electric power flows between the lighting components via the conductor. The substrate constitutes a heat sink;
2. The jumper according to claim 1, wherein the fixture engages with the connector body and the heat sink so that the lighting component conducts heat with the heat sink, and simultaneously fixes the lighting component to the heat sink. connector. The fixture is configured to pass between adjacent lighting components;
The jumper connector according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is engaged with the connector main body so as to fix the connector main body to the substrate.   The jumper connector according to claim 1, wherein the conductor bends at least partially when the fixture fixes the connector body to the substrate. The fixture is a threaded fixture that is screwed onto the substrate;
The jumper connector according to claim 1, wherein when the fixture is tightened, the lighting component is pressed toward the board by the connector body.

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